GPSrChive Discussion Forum

I know it's (very) old, but I'd like to try to get my eTrex Legend working as a backup GPS on an upcoming trip.

I'm having problems loading Topo Maps from the old Topo Canada CDs on my Garmin eTrex Legend (the blue one with the monochrome display.) I'm using a USB to Serial converter cable, and the computer sees the device and both devices acknowledge the transfer, but after transferring the map regions (I've tried this with Basecamp & Mapsource), the eTrex Legend says "no map" and there's nothing loaded. Waypoints, tracks routes, etc... *do* transfer, so that seems like it would rule out any connection issues. So I'm stumped as to why the maps aren't showing up. I have tried only transferring a single map region, although all my transfers have been under 8mb.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Which software and OS are you using?

Hi,

I have the same problem after updating to the last firmware 3.90.
Now, after many time successfuly trying to install maps, there is "no map" during using the device.
Is there any chance to fix this issue, or I just should trow the gps away and buy new one?!?
Is it possible to downgrade the firmware, cause I'm sure 3.90 is a shit?

Regards!

Installing maps on my eTrex Legend with firmware 3.90 is hassle-free. There are two different versions of the Legend though, hardware ID 179 and HWID 411; I have the latter. Maybe yours is 179? You can check the HWID with the program G7ToWin.

Repeating the previous question: which software an OS are you using? I use Windows XP and MapSource 6.13.7 (and G7ToWin), old software that works best with old hardware. Using Windows 10 or 11 may very well cause problems.

Regarding downgrading: I'm not aware of a site that has older firmware versions of very old devices like this eTrex Legend.

Hi mate,

Thank you very much for the fast answer!
I don't have an idea what hardware does my gps have, but I'll check after installing G7towin.
Honestly, I have never heard for G7ToWin and if possible, could you please let me know how to use it?
And finally, yes, I'm using W11, but no matter of it, before installing 3.90 frmware, I haven't had any troubles.

Have you visited GPSrChive > eTrex Legend yet?

See the Function page for a special key combination you can use to find your device hardware information, no special software required!

Which program are you using to install maps to the eTrex Legend?

To use G7ToWin open File > Settings first and select the correct COM port. After that you simply click GPS > Get GPS ID.

GPSrChive wrote: Fri Jan 17, 2025 10:35 pm Have you visited GPSrChive > eTrex Legend yet?

See the Function page for a special key combination you can use to find your device hardware information, no special software required!

The diagnostic screen doesn't show the HWID.

Well shame on it! Looks like only the firmware and PCB version for this model.

Hi,
Today I spent time again trying to upload a map and no success again
I decided to install one more time the new 3.90 firmware, cause last time i've renamed files reading a post about same problem.
Also i run G7ToWin . . .
But let me show you guys the pictures i did:

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